Q: Describe your company and what you do.A: I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years. For the past 16 years I’ve been with Calamos Wealth Managementwhere I’ve helped high net worth clients reach their lifelong goals through financial planning and investment management. In addition, I oversee a team that includes advisors, marketing, operations and planning to ensure the client experience runs smoothly.

Q: What is your background and what led you to your organization?A: I have an undergraduate degree in Economics and Graduate degree in Finance. My work background has all been with client relationship management and some product management as well. The part of my job that I love the most? Leadership.

Q: What would you like to change about the finance industry?A: Finance as a career for women: as an industry, we need to do a better job talking to young women who are in the midst of choosing a career path. We are too focused on numbers, statistics, performance – and not enough on describing what an investment advisor truly does: helping others fulfill lifelong goals. We are intimately involved with clients who are at critical transition points in their lives (retirement; paying for college; selling their business; divorce; widowhood). This requires empathy; patience; strong communication skills; relationship building – traits that come naturally to most women. Of course the numbers are important but a career in financial services – especially as an investment advisor on the front lines – is so much more. We haven’t described these aspects of the career to women in college (or even younger). As a female leader in this industry, I feel it is my responsibility to get out into the community and reframe the discussion about what a career in financial services really means. Along with this, I also spearhead our Women & Wealth initiative. Its focus is on encouraging our female clients to take a more active role in their financial lives. Too often nowadays, we see women of all types (working, not-working, wealthy/not wealthy) outsource their financial security to someone else – mainly their spouse. This can have extremely negative and sometimes tragic consequences if they don’t change their mindset. There is a lot of work to be done. And oftentimes I feel I am at the base of a steep mountain looking up….but the other way to look at it? Opportunity.

Q: What gets you excited about your work?A: Many things but mainly it’s about helping people (both employees and clients). Working with and developing employees, helping them find out what makes them tick, and helping them reach their own goals. More recently – talking to other women in leadership and learning how they can use their roles to positively impact other women in the industry Women’s Initiative Network (WIN): I started this group over 2 years ago at Calamos. The objective is to create an open forum and safe space for women to talk about topics such as professional development; communication; navigating the environment in a male dominated industry; and also to encourage interaction between different women from different departments and different tenures within the industry. We all learn from each other – regardless of our rank or seniority. I only wish that there was something like this in existence when I started in this field over 25 years ago. I am now at a place in my career where I feel I can mentor and coach younger women who will one day be even better and stronger than me! The best moments of the WIN group are when the women come to me and say they used a strategy they learned during one of our sessions; or that they met someone in the group who they truly connected with. Or that they simply learned more about themselves. If nothing else, it’s a great female employee retention tool. It’s very personal to me as it is an entirely grass roots effort – driven by me and the women involved.

Q: What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned along the way?A: Confidence is not something we are necessarily born with but it is something that can be developed.

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?A: Two things: First, use your voice. Never be silent at the table because you always have more to offer than you think you do. And second, get out of your comfort zone. Constantly push your boundaries so that you can continue to grow!

​Q: Tell us one thing most people don't know about you.A: I have self-doubt (but I get over it!).

Q: If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do?A: I don’t live with a lot of regrets. I feel that everything I’ve done in life – both the right things and the wrong things - brought me to where I am today.

Q: What is 360 Youth Services?A: 360 Youth Services began in 1971 when a group of concerned parents, community and religious leaders recognized the need for professional, youth-centered services in the Naperville community. They formed a city council that eventually became a non-profit organization referred to as the Naperville Community Outreach.In 2011, the Naperville Community Outreach, or NCO changed its name to 360 Youth Services to better reflect its mission and vision of a community where all youth possess the necessary skills to successfully navigate life’s challenges. Today 360 Youth Services continues to play a leadership role in the development of programs that encourage positive social change by providing life-changing services through substance use prevention education, counseling and transitional housing for youth experiencing homelessness.

Q: What is your background and what led you to ORGANIZATION?A: My background is in Parks & Recreation with a Masters in Public Service from DePaul University. I have always worked for Municipalities including Chicago Park District and the Naperville Park District. Through my involvement in local events I have built many positive relationships with community members. While working for the Naperville Park District, I got a call from a local colleague that I have worked with on many occasions. He was looking to fill an open position at 360 Youth Services and thought I would be a perfect fit. I jumped at an opportunity in the non-profit sector and am proud to work for such a youth centric organization. To keep involved in civil work, I am a SECA (Special Events & Cultural Amenities) Commissioner for the City Of Naperville.

Q: What gets you excited about your work?A: This is easy. To see the youth we serve thrive and be successful in life. To see the housing, prevention and counseling team beam with pride as they watch our young adults spread their wings and fly on their own. This is my excitement!

Q: If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do?A: My plan was the Peace Corp right out of College, but I fell in love.

Q: What are you most proud of?A: I am proud to teach my four children that moms work too, and having pride in your work will take you far in life. I involve my children with 360 Youth Services through events and volunteering. This teaches them the value of service to our community and to appreciate the blessings in their own lives.

Stephanie Colbert Randall is 3rd generation owner of Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing, a family-owned custom picture framing and art printing business in Naperville.Here is what Stephanie says about her job and her story at Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing.

Q: What is Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing?Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing provides custom picture framing, custom art printing, and related services with the goal of “You’re Going to Love It!”. The company is a 31-year-old family-owned business, operating out of a 5,000 square foot facility in Naperville at the intersection of Naper Blvd. and 75th St.

Q: What is your background and what led you to Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing?Although Stephanie Randall (previously Stephanie Colbert) initially planned to work for a large PR firm after graduating college, she realized that her real passion was to be a part of a smaller local business and be involved in the local community. So she went back to her roots, Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing, and back to Naperville, where she has lived since age nine.

Randall continued to learn the family business, where she had worked since high school, part-time, during summers and school breaks. To date, she has worked in the business for 18 years in varying roles – two years ago she became owner when she purchased the business from her parents, Kevin and Sue Colbert. Randall manages day-to-day operations as well as long-term operations for the company and currently has a team of 10 skilled staff members. She does in-store, in-home, and in-office consultation with both residential and corporate clients for custom picture framing and custom art printing projects. She takes care of everything from customer service, to design consultation, to creating matting and framing designs for everything from fine art to photography to sports memorabilia and more.

Q: How do you get people excited about custom picture framing?There are a lot of decisions to make in custom framing, which can overwhelm clients. But one of my favorite parts of the job is walking people through why we do what we do and guiding them through the best design choices to preserve their art, showcase their art, and accomplish their goals. People often tell me “I learn so much when I come in here!” or “I never would have thought of that option on my own!”. We don’t just frame pictures, objects, or fine art…we frame memories, stories, and experiences. It’s fun to relive those stories with my clients through working with them on framing and printing.

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?

Be involved in your community, whatever that looks like and however you can. Randall has been active in the Chamber and Women in Business events for 11 years. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise and enjoys collaborating with other community members to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

Trust your intuition. Follow through on something you have a “feeling” about, whether it’s a creative idea or a pre-emptive action to avoid problems down the road. Learn from mistakes and misunderstandings, with humility, to improve your products and yourself, as well as encourage those around you and serve your clients to your best ability.

Q: What is Edgewood Clinical Services?A: Edgewood Clinical Services is a comprehensive, outpatient, mental health agency that offers therapy for all ages and stages in life, groups for children and teens, psychological testing and psychiatry/medication assistance.

Q: What is your background and what led you to Edgewood Clinical Services?A: For over 10 years I worked at the DuPage County Health Department providing mental health treatment to the chronically mentally ill population. I was also part of the Trauma and Disaster Team for the County. I worked with the homeless population with Catholic Charities for a few years before I landed at Edgewood in 2014. What attracted me to Edgewood was the many services that were offered at one practice. The entire family could obtain mental health services at one place. I also was impressed with their commitment to taking care of our community. They are also passionate about reducing the stigma of mental illness and that is of importance to me.

Q: What is your top goal for Edgewood Clinical Services?A: To reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Edgewood is passionate about mainstreaming mental health into the fabric of our communities. As Edgewood serves thousands of individuals, couples, and families each year, we see how many of life’s struggles can tremendously impact one’s mental health. Seeking help for these struggles is nothing to be ashamed about.

Q: How do you get people excited about their mental health?A: There really is NO one that is “Clicking their Heels” to go to therapy. What we CAN do is make starting that journey for someone comfortable and easy. We take time to match individuals with the best therapist for their current concerns. We have a wonderful billing department that verifies insurance benefits and reviews with our clients to mitigate any financial surprises that may occur through the course of treatment. Our desire is for clients to focus on their care.

Q: What would you say are the three top skills are to successfully lead an organization?A: Edgewood’s entire leadership team is extremely supportive of the staff. Leadership continues to embrace change and is always open to improving existing organizational systems. Edgewood’s leadership also embraces the concepts of experiential learning. Its ok to make mistakes, own the mistakes and learn from them.

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?A: As Women, our words and actions wield the power to plant seeds of success or failure in the mind of another. I encourage everyone to think about that with everyone you do business with. The world has enough bullies and sabotagers. Be the inspirer.

Q: What gets you excited about your work?A: Everybody struggles from time to time in life. If I can build up, support, give a kind word or give a valuable resource to someone that can help make their situation better... it makes all the difference to me. This keeps me very motivated.

Q: What is your involvement in the Chamber, WIB and community?A: Edgewood has been involved in the chamber before I started in this role. Adam Russo, our Chairman & CEO, was chairman of the board at the chamber (2016-17) and is currently finishing his last year. I now attend most of the Chamber events, including WIB. IF I am not going to incredible Chamber events, I can be found working in the community promoting all the services that Edgewood has to offer to doctors, schools, community providers and residents.

Q: What are you most proud of? A: My son. My role as being a mom, is the most important in my life. I made a point to instill volunteering and giving back to our community with him, as soon as he was walking. I would find ways to get him to help others like collecting school supplies, stuffing backpacks, collecting toiletries for the homeless shelter and ringing the salvation army bell while dressed up like an elf to name just a few.. He values helping others and will be a contributor in this life for others.

Q: If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do?A: Nothing! Everything I have gone through is a learning experience. I wouldn’t have grown without mistakes and bumps in the road. It’s important to own your mistakes and learn from them. I feel much more resilient having gone through the difficult times and feel like I can relate to others and be a support to them.

Janene Marshall-Gatling is the Owner of the Naperville South Location of College Nannies and Tutors. As an advocate for self-care, she urges busy parents to take advantage of time for themselves and enlist the support of quality care providers. At College Nannies and Tutors, Janene works to provide needs-based solutions; she’s learned through her hands-on approach that every parent is different, so the type and level of care varies from person to person. She is passionate about developing solutions so families can provide a solid community for their precious children.

“We have a tendency to put on our superwoman cape and think we can do it all. We are capable of a lot, but we need help… not just any help; quality help.” – Janene Marshall-Gatling

Janene recalls earlier years when she was the busy mom of two young children; she was always looking for babysitters. She struggled with the all-too-common “mommy guilt” while on the hunt for the right people to assist with the children’s care. After an exhausting search, she managed to retain teenage twins who eventually became like family. In her words, she finally felt “that good feeling of someone genuinely caring for her children”. It allowed her to alleviate some of her guilt and make time for herself. Her journey through motherhood ignited her discovery of College Nannies and Tutors. She realized how valuable quality and flexible care is to every family.

While everyone has different needs, she starts each initial consultation the exact same way… Janene asks two questions: Where can we help you? How can we help you? There are no turnkey solutions; each family receives tailored care to fit their lifestyle. She’s had some parents who need daily full time care, while other parents provide the day-to-day care and simply need a couple of hours twice a week to reset. There are even emergency options where highly-qualified nannies and babysitters are available on-demand.

Janene’s staff consists mostly of nursing and teaching students from local colleges. She requires each care provider has experience with children and references so parents may feel confident in the care being provided. Her ultimate goal is to allow parents to take their own timeout in order to recharge; she knows this is only possible if the parents know their children are in good hands.

“Leverage the support of others to build the village that’s so necessary in providing the growth and development of your children.” – Janene Marshall-Gatling

While children are a tremendous blessing, they demand a lot of energy from their parents. It’s easy to get lost in the daily routine of their development. Far too often, parents feel burnt out and overwhelmed. Janene advocates for parents by encouraging them to make time to care for themselves so they may be their best version for their children.

Take time to be intentional in seeking out quality care, not just for your little ones – but for yourself as well!

Catherine Ross is the Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Ross Creative Works, along with her husband Jeffrey. Through their company, they create powerful imagery, marketing, and branding for businesses and non-profits. Her journey to entrepreneurship was filled with thoughtful consideration, but she occasionally had to take major risks. The risks she took along the way have ultimately made all the difference.

“I was determined and ready for change… the time prior to that served as building blocks.” – Catherine Ross

She began her career at a small marketing firm in North Dakota and was then recruited to work at a SBA affiliated nonprofit. While there, she benefited from the profound leadership and mentorship of her boss, Tara Holt, whom she described as a powerful businesswoman eager to build up those around her. When Catherine reflects on her time there, she shares, “It’s imperative to have other people to commune with, give and receive advice, remain connected, be mentored while mentoring others…”

Catherine was Chair of the Young Professionals Network in North Dakota at the time; her position led her to a YPN conference in Cocoa Beach, Florida. It was there she met her husband, Jeff Ross, who was part of the Naperville Young Professionals Network. They quickly struck up a long-distance romance until Catherine decided in 2011 to make the great trek across the country. Although she had no job or family in the Naperville area, she knew she was making the right decision. She knew she had to take the risk.

“Life presents times of transition.” – Catherine Ross

Upon arrival, she ran into some roadblocks on finding a new job. A lot of businesses were still recovering from the Recession and did not seem eager to add anyone to their marketing department. After quite a bit of searching, she landed a job at a travel accessories company. She received good pay and benefits, but was commuting three hours round trip. In 2014 – just a few months after they married, she and Jeff began to assess their options. He had an established commercial photography business; they saw where they could build a new kind of marketing company, one that focuses on creativity from a strategic standpoint and incorporates custom photography to tell the unique story of each business. The leap into entrepreneurship didn’t happen immediately. They took time to build adequate savings and invest in sales training with Bill Bartlett at Corporate Strategies for Catherine. Once she felt she had a firm ground from which to launch, she took the big step forward.

“I get to help my clients identify and develop the tools they need in order to present a consistent image for their business.” – Catherine Ross

Just as evidenced through her journey, a successful outcome is ultimately reached through a series of trial and error. Each time Catherine was presented with a crossroads, she took time to assess the challenges, acquire the knowledge necessary, and then pursue the path that allowed her to continue onward with her passions. She never compromised what ultimately mattered to her; she found ways to take measured risks that would facilitate her ideal life. Now, she eagerly approaches every client case with fresh eyes and a head full of ideas to further their brand. She has found the balance for her family, creativity, and lifestyle. It was just by taking one bold step at a time.To learn more about Ross Creative Works, check out rosscreativeworks.com.

Beckie Hayes is an Entrepreneurial Operating System® Implementer and President of Merchab Consulting Group. She has a contagious enthusiasm for implementing a proven business management process within growth oriented small and mid-sized businesses. Having been raised in a household of Entrepreneurs, she is passionate about developing successful business owners throughout the Midwest.

“Doing what you say you’re going to do builds credibility… especially from a leadership position.” – Beckie Hayes

For over 9 years prior to the founding of Merchab Consulting Group, Beckie managed an engineering staffing firm, servicing the energy sector. She was involved in the revolutionary structure overhaul that resulted in revenues growing from $6,000,000 to $25,000,000. The incredible growth awakened her desire to spread the message of rapid business growth. Ultimately, it stems from implementing a framework with consistent follow-through. She helps business owners find the root cause of the ceiling they’ve hit; often times, the main issue is a lack of delegation. She leverages Gino Wickman’s EOS® methodology as captured in the book “Traction”, which encourages entrepreneurs to “delegate and elevate”.

“The reality is you cannot do everything 100%. What are you going to delegate or outsource?” – Beckie Hayes

Beckie encourages everyone, even non-business owners, to take a step back and ask yourself what you ultimately want. The next sequence of discovery is asking yourself what you do well and what supports the pathway to achieving your desired result. When she goes through this initial process with growth oriented Entrepreneurs, there’s often an epiphany where the individual realizes they’ve been wasting too much time doing something that an employee would not only do faster, but better. This is when she begins to implement a framework, where there are best practices for growth and proper delegation so each person within the organization supports the upward trajectory.

“A solid framework with consistent behavior is reliable and comforting within any organization.” – Beckie Hayes

Beckie cautions that a framework is meant to allow for variability; there’s anxiety within rigid structures where obedience is often rewarded over creativity. A framework can be adjusted and have some flex. Naturally, there is a solid foundation with certain non-negotiables, but then there is room for ideas within the remainder of the frame. She says this not only applies to businesses, but households too. Often times, we can have total organization at the office, but complete chaos at home. This polarized dysfunction leads to a lack of productivity. Beckie encourages every individual to not only develop the ultimate vision for your business, but also for yourself and your family. In order to be a peak performer, you have to be willing to delegate, develop a framework, follow-through on tasks, and elevate within your organization.

Debra Koopmann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is the owner and lead counselor at Debra J. Koopmann and Associates, LLC. Most of the clients she serves are adolescents and women. Throughout the years, her practice has evolved to support those struggling with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. These difficult cases are often the result of major life transitions, when redefinition and clarity are most needed.

“Everyone has the fear of inadequacy. Become aware of how you’re thinking and then allow yourself to change it.” – Debra Koopmann

In an ever-increasing digital age, we see a lot of access, but not a lot of connectivity. Allowing the wrong individuals access provides an avenue for negativity; whether that negativity is self-inflicted by “fear of missing out” or it’s directed by the other user in the form of criticism, it’s a passageway to internal sabotage. Debra encourages, “Filter-out who you follow. You self-sabotage when you allow too much access.” Debra’s main therapeutic modality is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in which you help the client recognize and change dysfunctional patterns of thinking. She explains that “bad beliefs dirty your filter” and therefore impact how you perceive the world around you. If you truly believe you’re missing out or receive a harsh comment from someone you’d barely call an acquaintance, then you suddenly allow yourself to fall into a downward spiral. The first step to stop the cycle is to become aware of how your thinking is contributing to your current situation.

“My mission is to help people live an authentic life with integrity.” – Debra Koopmann

An authentic life begins with developing intention. There must be an intention to every activity;ultimately, those good habits will support goal fulfillment. If you find you’re not where you want to be or you have trouble accomplishing goals, it may be from a misalignment of your intention. Aderailment that often occurs is the feeling of guilt. Often times, individuals experience guilt when they focus on their personal pursuits and intentions. To these individuals, Debra says, “If you don’t make time to fuel yourself up, you’re not going to be helpful to anyone! Make yourself a priority and pursue your goals with some regularity.”

“When you are having internal conflict, you have to follow your heart. The more you resist it, the more it persists.” – Debra Koopmann

Developing a sense of awareness is a crucial element to the establishment of intentionality,boundary-setting, goal accomplishment, and – ultimately – fulfilment. Become aware of who you are, what you want, where you’re heading, and whether you’re getting in your own way. Many times, our worst obstacles are ourselves. Debra helps individuals acknowledge their excuses and then move forward anyways. She explains that excuses are just another way to self-sabotage.Actively seek to extinguish self-sabotaging behaviors. Discover within yourself what your passion is. Once you’ve done that, pursue it relentlessly while monitoring who has access to you. Life is short!

Jennifer Alvarez is the Owner of Refined Beauty. Since a young age, she’s been a dreamer. She has always pictured life from a number of viewpoints and creative outlooks. It’s from this natural disposition that she has pursued beauty as her career.

“Take the leap. Just put one foot in front of the other…” – Jennifer Alvarez

When she faced the idea of starting her own salon, she felt both overwhelmed and energized by the challenge. For support, she leaned on her loved ones and reminded herself that “this is not a forever thing”. She knew she had the capacity and community to do anything, even if it meant possibly going back to the drawing board. She could always dream a new dream. There is a reason and purpose behind every decision, success, and failure. Jennifer knew she needed to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and she is glad she did!

“We are our worst enemies; our worst critics. The only person we compete with is ourselves.” – Jennifer Alvarez

From a very young age, Jennifer recognized the internal struggle women face daily. We subject ourselves to an insurmountable standard and scrutinize each flaw we possess. Perhaps it’s societal formed norms that inflict this criteria, or maybe it’s our upbringing; whatever it is, Jennifer has a solution. She encourages everyone, particularly women to keep dreaming and to dream even bigger.

“I love encouraging people…to dream for people who cannot see the dream for themselves.” – Jennifer Alvarez

In each and every person Jennifer contacts, she sees their potential. She sees what they often fail to see in themselves. When discussing her profession, she says, “It’s about connecting with the clients in order to have them feel beautiful for who they already are.” She recognizes that her creativity has the potential to unlock a hidden confidence within her clients. It uses their inherent beauty to refine their ultimate outlook on life.

“There is no finish line… just keep learning and growing!” – Jennifer Alvarez

Time is our most precious resource, and Jennifer sees her main job as helping clients realize their full potential as fast as they possibly can. She may find herself encouraging clients to start over or take a big step outside their comfort zone. It’s her passion to push herself and others to overcome fear, seek encouragement, take risks, and – ultimately – see their dreams come true.

Janelle Barcelona serves as Vice President of Development for DuPage Pads. With a unique journey herself, she set-out on her mission to “give back” as others have so generously given to her. She intentionally projects a contagious optimism and positivity in order to keep herself and others moving toward betterment.

“The feeling you get when showered with support is incredible… I just knew I wanted to give back.” – Janelle Barcelona

Janelle was teaching part-time at North Central College and caring for her three adolescent children. Her husband worked as a successful executive. In 1999, her world was disrupted as her husband suffered a major health crisis with long-term health implications and care. Everything changed. Janelle saw this as an opportunity to lead. She created full time work of her career with North Central by offering to teach more programs and classes. Shortly thereafter, she was recruited by a Nonprofit Consulting Agency, which ultimately led her to DuPage Pads.

“I live in REAL stories of REAL people. We have to work to improve, to give hope.” – Janelle Barcelona

She was drawn to DuPage Pads by the passion of the board and dynamic leadership. The mission and vision of the organization completely aligned with Janelle’s perseverance and positive attitude. Throughout her journey, she received support from neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family; she learned the importance of true advocacy. At DuPage Pads, she gets to advocate for individuals and families who are homeless as well as inspire others to join the mission.

In serving in that advocacy role for others, she has developed an opportunity mindset. Rather than seeing situations as challenges to overcome, she sees them as opportunities to achieve. This mindset took a lifetime of training to develop. However, according to Janelle – its roots are found in faith, kindness, and sincerity.

“You’ll get much further if you choose to look at the world through rose-colored lenses.” – Janelle Barcelona

Janelle prides herself on being “the biggest morning person”. She jokes that even her kids have stories of her upbeat morning attitude. Each day, she starts with gratitude, thanking God for everything. Even in the midst of past struggles, Janelle placed her focus on what she has versus what she does not have. It’s in this opportunity mindset where lives are changed, joy is found, avenues for growth are provided, and connection with others is inevitable.

“My journey has made me more compassionate for those we serve.” – Janelle Barcelona

It’s once moments of despair pass and how you respond to the journey ahead that dictates your course. Janelle chooses positivity. She chooses to not only overcome challenges, but to absolutely supersede the challenge altogether in order to find the opportunity. Choose your way and get going!